De Maas voor Rotterdam in 1838 1838

Salomon de Visser captured this lively scene of the Maas River in Rotterdam in 1838. The Dutch flag dominates the scene atop a grand tent. In the 19th century, national flags became potent symbols, embodying the spirit and identity of a nation. Flags have ancient origins, tracing back to military standards and religious symbols. The vexillum of the Roman legions, for instance, served not only as a rallying point in battle but also as an embodiment of Roman values and power. Similarly, flags in the Middle Ages often carried religious or heraldic symbols, representing the authority and protection of a particular lord or saint. The flag atop the tent, in this portrayal, marks a space for public gathering. Just as in ancient times, such symbols of identity and values continue to evolve. They reappear across time, charged with collective memory and meaning, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Flags remind us that symbols can be interpreted and re-interpreted, but their potency as focal points of human emotion remains.